Benrus - Shock-Absorber Tank - No reserve price - Caliber DR 2L1 - Men - 1960-1969

Now available at auction from Second Vintage This distinguished Benrus Shock-Absorber from the 1960s captures the essence of mid-century executive style with its sharp lines and sophisticated dial layout. Combining a classic square "tank" profile with the desirable "crosshair" dial motif, this timepiece offers a wonderful balance of dressy elegance and vintage character. It stands as a testament to the era when Benrus was a dominant force in American watchmaking, offering Swiss precision with distinct New York styling. Brand: Benrus Model: Shock-Absorber Tank Movement: Manual Winding Caliber DR 2L1 Dial: Silver Sunburst Crosshair Case Size: 28 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: 20 Micron Gold Electroplate Production Year: c. 1960s Condition: Excellent vintage condition Dial and Hands The dial is the highlight of this timepiece, featuring a radiant silver sunburst finish that remains remarkably well-preserved. It showcases a crisp black "crosshair" design that divides the dial into quadrants, a sought-after feature among collectors of mid-century watches. The applied gold-tone indices feature a split-baton design that catches the light beautifully. The dial is signed "Benrus" at the three o'clock position and "Shock-Absorber" at nine o'clock. The gold-tone pencil hands and central sweep seconds hand are in excellent condition, complementing the overall warm aesthetic of the face. Case and Crystal The square case features a classic tank architecture with stepped, decorative lugs that add a touch of flair to the silhouette. The bezel is finished in 20 micron gold electroplating, which provides a rich and warm luster. The case flanks are clean with sharp lines. The snap-back caseback is made of stainless steel and features the full factory engravings, including the model specifications and gold plating details. The acrylic crystal is clear and presents well, offering an undistorted view of the dial details. Movement Powering the watch is the signed Benrus Model DR 2L1 manual winding movement, a 17-jewel Swiss mechanism stamped with the Benrus import code "AXZ". The copper-colored plates are clean and visually attractive. On the timegrapher, the watch is currently running approximately -56 to -59 seconds per day, which indicates a healthy movement operating within acceptable parameters for an unserviced vintage timepiece of this age. Strap The watch is fitted with a new dark brown leather strap featuring white contrast stitching. The strap is supple and complements the gold tones of the case, giving the watch a ready-to-wear casual yet dressy look. Condition This timepiece is in excellent vintage condition. The dial is exceptionally clean for its age with no significant spotting or patina, retaining a bright and fresh appearance. The gold-plated case shows minimal wear to the plating on the front and sides, maintaining a strong gold tone. The stainless steel caseback exhibits surface scratches consistent with age and use, but these are not visible when the watch is worn. Dimensions The case measures 28 mm in width excluding the crown, a classic size for vintage square watches that wears slightly larger than the dimensions suggest due to the corner-to-corner presence. It sits comfortably on the wrist, sliding easily under a dress cuff. Remarks This Benrus Shock-Absorber is a fantastic example of 1960s dress watch design. The combination of the square case and the crosshair dial gives it a geometric appeal that feels both retro and modern. It is a stylish choice for the collector looking for a vintage dress watch with a bit more visual interest than the standard round three-hander. History Benrus was founded in New York City in 1921 by three brothers—Benjamin, Ralph, and Oscar Lazrus—who combined their names to create the brand. For decades, Benrus was one of the premier American watch companies, famous for utilizing high-quality Swiss movements housed in American-designed cases. By the mid-20th century, Benrus was a household name, known for their military contracts during World War II and their innovative commercial designs like the Sky Chief and the Dial-o-Rama. This specific model represents the brand's golden era of consumer dress watches, offering Swiss reliability to the American gentleman. / Second Vintage SKU: BENMOMOV10000